Every morning I’m up before dawn. After brewing a cup of coffee, I sit down at my kitchen table which is next to a window that faces south. From my chair I can see the eastern sky. As I sip that beverage (which is certainly a gift of God!) I read the Word, think, and pray. And… day arrives. It is a kind of recurring miracle, at least to me. At first the dark sky turns a shade of gray, then rays of light appear, and finally the sun slips up over the horizon, spilling warmth and beauty on the trees and grass just outside of the window. The monochromatic world of the night morphs every so gradually into living color! I never tire of the wonder of dawning of a new day.

Advent is a celebration of the dawn of a new day in this world. Jesus, the Light, came into the darkness. Oh, what a world He came to – full of cruelty, where people lived desperate and short lives. And, as His Gospel touched lives, persons were changed and the world took on new brightness: not all at once, but gradually like the arrival of the day. Of Himself, Jesus said – “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12, NLT)

I am so grateful, so aware, that in Christ I enjoy a clarity about life that cannot be found elsewhere. In Him, I am freed from Self and Sin, able to choose a life of love. He teaches me to be gracious and forgiving, not consumed with my own needs and quick to take offense. He shows me a way to live that about so much more than finding some new delight for my body’s appetites. In Jesus, I have hope that extends beyond my earthly existence, faith that sustains me in the times of disappointment, and I need not stumble around in confusion. His light shows me the truth about myself and my world much as the full light of day reveals the world.

Are you living in the Light? Take some time to think about that. The theme is a recurring one in the Scripture.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? ” (Psalm 27:1, NLT)

“Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness.” (Psalm 89:15-16, NLT)

A prophecy about Jesus’ coming –“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2, NIV)

“Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” (John 11:9-10, NLT)

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
and find out what pleases the Lord.
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:8-11, NIV)

The Light! He has shined on us. Open your mind, your heart, your life to Him and let in His brightness.

This is a word from the Word, a promise for you, for me. “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” (Proverbs 4:18-19, NIV)

Abba, this Monday morning dawns and with it comes new
challenges and opportunities.
Help us to stand where Your Light shines,
to enjoy the revealed Truth that comes
to those who love the Light.
Shine in us, let Your radiance be seen in us.

And, in this may we find the riches of Life you offer,
and enjoy the promise that is for those who walk
the pathway of those who know and love You.
In the Name of the Light of the World, I pray.